Yosemite Forum

Taking Older Parent to Yosemite

Taking Older Parent to Yosemite

Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 10:11 am

by wdr1

Apologies in advance if this is covered in a FAQ or wiki... I did some searching & couldn't find a good answer.

My mom is retiring later his year. Since she moved to the United States in the 1960s she's always wanted to see Yosemite but never had a chance. I want to take her, but her health is so-so. She can walk on her own, but probably needs a break after a few hundred feet. She can do a flight of stairs but no much more.

I've never been to Yosemite myself, so honestly I don't even know if this would make any sense for her? E.g., is there much of the park's splendor she could see with such limited mobility?

If it helps, both the budget & time of year is something we're flexible on. Once she's retired she won't have any restraints on her time & I wanted to treat her.

Re: Taking Older Parent to Yosemite

Re: Taking Older Parent to Yosemite

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2016 9:19 am

by Recycling1991

You absolutely should take her to Yosemite; there is a lot she can see without needing to do serious hiking or even long walks.

If you are going to see Yosemite Valley, which is where most people go, May is a very nice season. Mid-week is the best, since it is less crowded. I would book a room at Yosemite lodge. Curry Village Cabins with Baths are my favorite, but they may be challenging for someone with limited mobility. the bathrooms are small and old. DO NOT book the tent cabins or curry cabins without bath. If you have a lot of money, you can splurge on the Ahwahnee at $500/night. But don't expect the Ritz in terms of rooms. You're paying to stay in a historic hotel. The lodge rooms will be around $200 a night, or a bit more in the summer. Book two rooms or one room with two queens. They also have a family room, but that's hard to book. If you're flexible on dates, you may be able to get it. Call and find out. Go midweek for sure to have a bit less crowds.

There is so much to see easily for your mom. I don't usually recommend the valley tour on the open air tram, but in your case, that would be a good thing. But you can always book that later. Book your room and post back with the dates (I'd suggest at least two nights), and we'll give you suggestions on stuff to do.